Mercury Retrograde Update

It seems like we’re almost through the rough patch.

On Friday, March 20th, Mercury, often seen as the trickster, will end its retrograde phase.

This planet governs communication, travel, and commerce, zipping along more quickly than all the others besides the moon.

Since February 26th, Mercury has been in Pisces, a position that isn’t exactly favorable.

At 3:32 PM ET, Mercury will move direct at 8 degrees 29 minutes in Pisces, although we’ll still be under its post-retrograde influence until April 9th. This means we have some integrating to do regarding the lessons learned over the past weeks.

In Pisces, Mercury’s clarity is, well, a bit clouded. Things can feel disjointed, especially during retrograde—everything seems a little more muddled.

It’s worth noting that planets don’t actually move backward through space; they just appear to slow down from our viewpoint on Earth. Mercury tends to do this a few times each year.

This optical illusion can leave us feeling stuck or hindered. However, when Mercury is moving directly, it tends to facilitate smoother communication, so there’s less chance of, say, embarrassing mistakes in group chats.

The reverse is true during retrograde—anything can happen.

Mercury typically thrives on logic, details, and conversations, yet in Pisces, it’s more concerned with emotions and possibilities. Here, it can even venture into symbolic interpretations.

Pisces, while spiritual and intuitive, can also foster misunderstandings and self-delusions.

Astrologer Lhasa Jay notes, “During this retrograde, discernment is key. Ask yourself: Am I truly seeing what’s there, or am I projecting what I wish were true?”

Along with dredging up the past, Pisces often brings romantic notions back into our lives.

This means if an old flame reappears, it’s best to tread carefully and avoid overly romanticizing the situation.

The experiences from the past are brought to our attention not to punish us, but to help us grow.

Everything that’s resurfacing serves at least three purposes:

• To remind us how far we’ve come and how much healing we’ve accomplished.
• To highlight lessons we may have overlooked or truths we haven’t faced.
• To challenge us karmically, offering familiar cycles or paths to evolution.

Making significant life decisions right now might feel like trying to read a map underwater; everything can seem unclear. Confusion, escapism, and the resurgence of old habits might be lurking too, according to counselor and astrologer Wang Lutao.

If you’re feeling a bit adrift in this chaotic period, remember to listen to your body. It often serves as our best guide.

As Mercury swims through the emotional waters of Pisces, tuning into our instincts is crucial.

Now is a good time to revisit the old saying about “feeling it in the water,” reflecting a deep sense of understanding.

Pay attention to your body’s signals in the coming days; if you’re tense or uneasy, take a step back. If you feel energized, that could be an invitation to venture outside.

Even if it all feels a bit backward right now, strive to move forward.

Mercury’s Journey Ahead

Mercury will finally go direct on March 20th, but the effects of its retrograde will linger until April 9th.

Future Retrogrades

After this cycle, expect Mercury to retrograde in Cancer starting June 29th and direct again on July 23rd, finally concluding on August 6th.